Digital Aviation Document QAs

The aviation industry in Albania does not use blockchain technology yet.

No.

The aviation industry in BH is still using printed paper aircraft documents, but it is also possible that there may be some organizations (which are operating on a multinational level) within the industry that are exploring and practicing the use of digital tools such as blockchain technology for the control of aircraft documents.

Yes. The Brazilian Aeronautical Registry is a digital register. Aviation documents such as certificates of airworthiness and registration are issued digitally certified.

No. The use of encryption tools is not a widespread practice in the industry. Additionally, it should be noted that the registered documents are public and can be reviewed by anyone requesting the registration certificates.

As mentioned, acts and contracts related to aviation law must be executed through physical documents that later need to go through the process of notarization, and therefore, they cannot be replaced by digital instruments.

The use of digital tools such as blockchain technology for the control of aircraft documents in Colombia is not yet widespread in the aviation industry. While the use of electronic documents and signatures is becoming more common, most aircraft documents are still stored and managed in traditional paper format. However, the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority has expressed interest in exploring the use of blockchain technology for the management and sharing of aircraft and pilot records, as this technology offers advantages such as increased security, transparency, and efficiency.

No.

Due to Croatian legislation and CCAA practice being very rigid with respect to paper forms of documents and signatures notarized, the use of digital tools, especially blockchain technology, is practically impossible.

The Aviation Industry currently does not use blockchain technology for the purpose of control of Aircraft Documents. However, time stamps and electronic seals introduced by the eIDAS Regulation are available in the Czech Republic and may be used for this purpose.

No. However, there are projects being made for these purposes.

No.

No.

Not to our knowledge.

The use of blockchain technology is currently in development; e.g., Lufthansa Industry Solutions has launched the initiative “Blockchain for Aviation” (BC4A). The idea is to create a documentation system, especially for the maintenance area as well as for substituting printed-paper documents. The use of Aircraft Documents in electronic form has become more and more popular; however, there are still certain documents, in particular the on-board documents, which are needed in paper form.

No.

While the aviation industry in India is beginning to adopt digital tools for certain purposes, the use of blockchain technology for the control of aircraft documents is not yet widespread. However, the DGCA has been exploring the use of blockchain technology for purposes such as the management of aircraft records and maintenance logs, as well as the tracking of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles.

Based on our research, the Aviation Industry in Israel uses printed paper documents for control of Aircraft Documents. For example, an aircraft registration certificate and a certificate of airworthiness are printed paper documents. In some cases, the legislation allows documents to be managed electronically by those who are required to do so pursuant under law. For example, according to Regulation 45(a) of the Air Navigation Regulations (Maintenance Approved Organizations), 2013 (the “MAO Regulations”), the holder of a license to operate an approved maintenance organization may maintain a file, list or documentation that must be maintained according to the MAO Regulations using a computerized system, provided that the system is secured against changes by unauthorized persons, and is backed up by a computerized file that will be updated no later than twenty-four (24) hours after any change made. On the other hand, according to Regulation 45(b) of the MAO Regulations, if the director of the CAAI or someone on his behalf asks to review the aforementioned file, list or documentation, the license holder is required to provide him with a printout of the file, list, or documentation requested.

The aviation industry worldwide is exploring the use of digital tools, including blockchain technology, for various purposes, including the management of aircraft documents. However, specific practices can vary from country to country and even among different companies within the same country. Italy is also moving towards digitalization and exploring the potential benefits of using blockchain technology for aircraft documents, but it is not part of it yet.

The KCAA has several digital systems which allow for the provision of e-services such as the AATIS referred to above, the Mandatory Occurrence Reporting and Voluntary Occurrence Reporting.

While we appreciate that certain government agencies and departments have now embraced blockchain technology in their operations, we are not aware of any blockchain technology being employed by the KCAA.

We are not aware of the use of this technology by Luxembourg operators as electronic filing of Aviation Documents with the Luxembourg Directorate of Civil Aviation is not implemented yet.

To our knowledge, the Maltese Aviation industry does not make use of blockchain technology; however, as discussed in previous questions, Transport Malta CAD does make use of digital tools to expedite and facilitate the aircraft registration process.

Despite the above, blockchain is an emerging industry in Malta, and parliament has legislated towards a regulatory framework with The Malta Digital Innovation Authority Bill, The Technology Arrangements and Services Bill and the Virtual Financial Assets Bill. Having said so, blockchain has yet to make an appearance with regard to the control of digital aircraft documents.

No. The AFAC primarily relies on printed paper documents.

The aviation industry (neither any other) in Montenegro does not use blockchain technology yet.

No, the Aviation Authority in Nigeria does not use digital tools, including blockchain technology, in respect of Aircraft Documents.

Printed paper aviation documents are generally used. The Aviation Authority does not use blockchain technology.

Not to date. We are, however, aware that certain public registries are experimenting with registrations based on blockchain technology.

In Peru, the aeronautic authority has only implemented the technological platform for the submission of documents, for electronic notifications and there is also access granted to an extranet assigned to each air operator which allows the authority to notify information and compile documents approved to the air operator.

No, as of this date.

No.

Not to our knowledge.

Please refer to my answer to question #3.

No, but there is a tendency to digitalize the public sector in Romania, and this is likely to happen in the near future.

No, printed paper aviation documents are generally used. The Directorate does not use blockchain technology.

Printed paper aircraft documents are generally used. The Agency does not use blockchain technology.

Due to the restrictions described in the previous paragraphs, blockchain technology is not yet widely spread in connection with transaction documents. As far as aircraft documents are concerned, AESA began only recently to accept electronic documents, but there are still a number of restrictions that impair the use of these new technologies.

To our knowledge, no.

No.

Blockchain technology is not used for the purpose of control of Aircraft Documents or any such areas. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation uses digital tools only in its communications on matters such as document requests, permit requests and incident reporting.

Despite some initiatives, the use of blockchain technology for the control of aircraft documents is not yet widely adopted in the United States. This is due in part to the complex regulatory environment surrounding aviation records and documents, as well as the significant investment and infrastructure required to implement blockchain technology on a large scale.

Blockchain technology offers several potential benefits for the aviation industry, such as enhanced security, efficiency, and transparency in the management of aircraft records and documents. For example, blockchain can provide a secure and tamper-proof digital record of aircraft maintenance and repair history, which can help improve safety and reduce costs. Some companies in the industry have started experimenting with the implementation of these technologies. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the FAA have also started exploring opportunities to implement this technology. Despite being in its early stages, blockchain technology has the potential to be widely adopted in the aviation industry.